Russia's actions in Ukraine should be treated as ecocide under EU law

The war in Ukraine has caused significant cross-border environmental damage, raising major concerns. The EESC urges making Russia's actions a crime under EU law and emphasises the need for environmental protection to safeguard fundamental rights.

Ukraine's ecosystems have been severely affected, with widespread destruction of forests and pollution of air and water. This poses a threat to its rich biodiversity, ecosystems, human health and agricultural production. The EESC, along with the European Parliament, advocates recognising ecocide as a criminal offence under EU law in order to hold Russia accountable and prevent future environmental disasters.

Rapporteur Ozlem Yildirim said: "The EESC stresses the urgent need to improve environmental protection from the perspective of safeguarding fundamental rights in the European Union and beyond, and that this need is exacerbated by the severe environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine".

The Committee also calls for action to document and measure these impacts, ensuring legal protection, accountability and a just post-war recovery aligned with international standards.

The right to a healthy environment is crucial for social and economic well-being, as many jobs rely on a healthy climate. The EESC urges EU Member States and institutions to strengthen existing legal tools and efforts in order to protect the right to a healthy environment, especially considering the fragile state of ecosystems highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. (ks)